A review on extraction of polysaccharides from crustacean wastes and their environmental applications

Disposal of biodegradable waste of seashells leads to an environmental imbalance. A tremendous amount of wastes produced from flourishing shell fish industries while preparing crustaceans for human consumption can be directed towards proper utilization. The review of the present study focuses on these polysaccharides from crustaceans and a few important industrial applications. This review aimed to emphasize the current research on structural analyses and extraction of polysaccharides. The article summarises the properties of chitin, chitosan, and chitooligosaccharides and their derivatives that make them non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible. Different extraction methods of chitin, chitosan, and chitooligosaccharides have been discussed in detail. Additionally, this information outlines possible uses for derivatives of chitin, chitosan, and chitooligosaccharides in the environmental, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food industries. Additionally, it is essential to the textile, cosmetic, and enzyme-immobilization industries. This review focuses on new, insightful suggestions for raising the value of crustacean shell waste by repurposing a highly valuable material.